The inevitable has finally unfolded: Corey LaJoie finds himself without a NASCAR Cup Series ride for the 2025 season. Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has chosen a new direction for its No. 51 Ford, naming team owner’s son Cody Ware as its full-time driver. The decision comes after LaJoie’s challenging stint with the team in the latter half of 2024 and raises questions about the future of one of NASCAR’s most resilient journeymen.
A Rocky 2024 for Corey LaJoie
Corey LaJoie’s 2024 season was far from the redemption story he may have hoped for. Starting the year with Spire Motorsports, LaJoie parted ways with the team in a mid-season shuffle, switching places with Justin Haley and taking over the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford. The move was meant to stabilize LaJoie’s Cup Series prospects, but the results told a different story.
Across his seven races with RWR, LaJoie failed to crack the top 30 in four outings and finished 33rd in the driver standings, marking his worst performance in five years. Despite brief glimpses of improvement, his efforts weren’t enough to secure a full-time seat for 2025.
Nepotism or Pragmatism? Cody Ware Gets the Call
RWR’s decision to place Cody Ware in the No. 51 car has inevitably fueled whispers of nepotism. However, the 29-year-old has shown moments of promise, particularly during his nine Cup Series starts in 2024. Ware’s fourth-place finish at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona was a standout moment that likely tipped the scales in his favor. While critics question the move, this marks the first time in NASCAR’s charter era that all 36 chartered cars will feature a single full-time driver—a historic milestone for the series.
What’s Next for Corey LaJoie?
For Corey LaJoie, the future in NASCAR’s premier division looks uncertain. With no full-time seat secured, the 33-year-old faces several potential paths:
- Reserve Driver Role: LaJoie’s experience and adaptability make him a viable option as a reserve driver for a Cup Series team.
- Return to Lower Tiers: A move to the Truck or Xfinity Series could allow LaJoie to rediscover his confidence and sharpen his skills. Competing full-time in these series might reignite his passion for racing and offer a route back to the Cup Series.
- Part-Time or Independent Entry: LaJoie could follow the path of independent racers, running select events with smaller teams to stay connected to the Cup grid.
A Resilient Racer in Search of Redemption
Despite the setbacks, Corey LaJoie remains one of NASCAR’s most resilient drivers. His determination and adaptability have seen him navigate the turbulent waters of stock car racing for nearly a decade. As NASCAR evolves, drivers like LaJoie must navigate an ever-changing landscape, often finding opportunities in unexpected places.
Whether as a reserve, a lower-series contender, or even a commentator, LaJoie’s passion for motorsports is undeniable. His story is far from over, and fans will no doubt be rooting for his next move, wherever it takes him.
